I was delighted to see Councillor Convery speaking out against the Mayor's "brutal pro-traffic agenda" (Wake up call over death-trap roads Tribune Oct 21st). In particular his support for people taking priority, slowing down vehicular traffic, widening pavements, extending crossing times and creating cycle safety zones.
After ten years of steady decrease, the last two years have seen a tragic rise in the numbers of people killed and seriously injured on Islington's roads. Whether this is due to cuts in road safety budgets, the Mayor's traffic flow smoothing agenda or a perception of a war on the motorist remains unclear. What is critical is that we take action immediately to reverse this unacceptable trend.
Islington Council and Transport for London should consider an immediate speed limit reduction to 20mph on all their main roads where people live work and shop. This would reduce the severity of any collisions, traffic noise and pollution. The police have a part to play too. The Borough Commander has stated that he puts no resource into policing traffic infringements. Inconsiderate behaviour while driving (speeding, texting at the wheel and ignoring zebra crossings) creates unacceptable danger to people on foot and on bikes and should be taken more seriously.
There are some excellent examples of street improvements in Islington: We are the only borough in London with 20mph limits on all our residential side roads; Upper Street at the Angel has been transformed recently into a pedestrian friendly place where it is easy for people to cross the road and where despite less road space for vehicles, the traffic is flowing smoothly because there is no lane changing.
Valuing our streets as precious public space, by prioritising people over vehicles when designing them would help reduce the awful death toll and make Islington an even better place to live.
I look forward to Councillor Convery's support for reduced speeds on main roads, installation of more zebra crossings and pavement widening.
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